Roop Rekha Shivpuri '65

MBBS, MD,

I am Roop Rekha Shivpuri and I joined Medical College in AFMC in 1965 and transferred to LHMC after my first professional exam. I keep up with Alumni of both medical colleges and enjoy life to the fullest after having worked my way through immense challenges, a year at a time. Being the only female in an OB GYN Residency in the 70’s I witnessed, first hand, an exceedingly hostile environment in Medicine for women with no accommodation for child bearing. I feel very proud of having contributed to the Medical profession’s accommodation of women, by supporting women during my career. After immigrating to US in 1971, I started my medical career as an OR technician in Sherman Hospital in Elgin ILL and my crowning glory was retiring from the same Hospital in 2008 as President.

After retirement I indulged in my passion for traveling and was taking 5-6 trips a year and traveled to all the continents. I suffered a stroke 5 years ago during one of my travels in Paris and was comatose for 2 months. My daughter Sonja was my angel and was with me in Paris for a month and arranged for my transfer to Chicago and subsequent rehabilitation. Since then, I have taken up this challenge and continue my recovery. I spend my life in gratitude for every new day, work out every day, listen to musical programs, keeping myself informed about world affairs and keep close touch with my son, daughter and 4 grandchildren and maintain a positive attitude.

My days in LHMC were very enjoyable I had a lot of friends and remember Dr. Pinto fondly who was a role model for me and encouraged me to choose OB GYN as a specialty. It has been a long, arduous journey- I have enjoyed it all.